Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer, revealed his one life regret just days before his death at the age of 91. The Armani Group announced his passing on Thursday, though the cause of death has not been disclosed. His health had been declining, and he missed his group’s shows at Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June for the first time in his career.
In an interview with The Financial Times published on 29 August, Armani shared his only regret: spending too much time working and not enough with loved ones. “I don’t know if I’d use the word workaholic, but hard work is certainly essential to success,” he said. “My only regret in life was spending too many hours working and not enough time with friends and family.”
Armani, who dressed stars such as Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett and Lady Gaga, also discussed succession plans for his company. He outlined a gradual transition of responsibilities to those closest to him, including Leo Dell’Orco, family members and his working team, hoping the process would be “organic and not a moment of rupture.”
The designer had previously expressed similar sentiments. In a 2020 interview with The Guardian, he said: “I’m scared of loneliness. I don’t really suffer regret. However, if I were to relive my life, I would strive to spend more time with friends and family.”
The Armani Group described him as a visionary who “expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism.” A funeral chamber will be open in Milan on Saturday and Sunday, with a private service to follow.
Armani remained sole shareholder and chief executive of the house he founded in 1975, with a fortune estimated at $12.1 billion. His empire included brands such as Emporio Armani and Armani Exchange, as well as haute couture, hotels, restaurants, cosmetics and homeware. Tributes poured in from celebrities, including Cindy Crawford, who wrote on Instagram: “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of a legend, Giorgio Armani. A true master of his craft.”
